Siraf
One of the most beautiful port city of Iran whose rich and historical background has always been the center of attention for researchers and historians is called siraf. This port is located in Bushehr Province along the coast of Persian Gulf.The geostrategic location of this port and its importance in commercial transactions in the past was really considerable. This ancient city has its own unique architecture which only could be found in Masouleh in north of Iran and this port. As this city was an international port, many people with different religions used to live there together and ruins of a graveyard show this fact.
Description
Most of the houses are one-storey here and they include a yard. A place for keeping the livestock, grass, grains and hunting tools has been considered in most of the houses in this city. The followers of different religions lived in this region in the past and the existence of a historical cemetery confirms this fact. Today, almost 40 percent of the population is Sunni and 60 percent Shia’. Most of people speak in Farsi but the Arabic language is also popular here.
In fact, tourist visits has been increased in recent years in this port. The historical city of Siraf was commercially prosperous in different periods and different objects excavated in this area fully depict this prosperity. Unfortunately this great civilization was ruined by a catastrophic earthquake but still there are many different natural and historical monuments such as rain puddles.
History
This part of Iran was highly prospered during Sassanid Period as the center of maritime commerce because it was the connecting port of Iran and the world through the Pars Sea. The name of this city was Artehsirab in Sassanid period which has been transferred firstly into Shirab and then into Sirab over time. However, it was also called Taheri Port for a while until 1387 S.H, when it was named again this current name. This historical port was badly damaged two times by two earthquakes in 327 and 496 S.H, so that it was partly sunk under water but then later revived. This Port has a main street which reaches to the sea from one side and to the mountain from other side. The height of city is not more than 30 meters from sea level.
About food
It is clear that fish supposed to have a highlighted role in daily foods of people who live in a coastal city. Fish is used in most of the local foods of Siraf such as baked stuffed fish, grilled fish, Majbous OR Dampokht-e Mahi (fish), Ghalieh Mahi, Ghatogh Mahi, Koufteh Mahi, Palil, Ghalieh Sorou and Tahchin-e Mahi. Local people also make traditional foods and cookies like rice Halva, Samanu, Kashk and oil with date, starch, Dongo and Angosht Pich Halva. The most famous souvenirs which are bought by the travelers are maritime products as fresh shrimp and fish. Moreover, the handicrafts of this southern port of Iran are considered to be an important part of souvenir including Mat and Maritime products like shell jewelries.
Attraction
Besides the pristine coast and the clean sky, this city has many historical places which attract people from other regions, including the 200-years-old Sheikh Jabbar Nasouri Mansion, crypts, and the cemeteries of civilizations in Lir valley, a fire temple placed on the hills of Lir valley, Sibouyeh mausoleum and almost 100 stone wells for water reservoir. One Ilkhanate historical attraction namely Imam Hasan Basri mosque which has been constructed above the Sassanid fort is another visitable region of Siraf Port along with the pristine coast of Persian Gulf.